Lawyer Jill Clark built the case that Hoff posted the anonymous comment to his own blog. The evidence was … interesting. It came from Donald Allen, a former Hoff ally and former defendant in the case who is now testifying for [former University of MN contractor Jerry] Moore. Allen contended that he could recognize Hoff’s wording in the comment; Hoff has denied authoring it. Allen not only told Clark he had written anonymous comments to his own blogs, but “all bloggers do that to start a conversation.”

Brauer mentions he has never posted an anonymous comment and he speculates that many other bloggers don’t do it either.

Seems like a lot of speculation from all parties, but it made us wonder: Have you ever anonymously seeded comments on your own blog? How widespread is this practice?

“Still, here’s what I can tell you: the damn thing looks a lot better. Designers have been allowed to rediscover the ancient concept of “white space,” the ad count is down, and the main business of the site — the stories — are no longer framed by cacophonous commercials, come-ons, and headline teases.”

The memo does not indicate when, or even whether, WCCO will issue a public correction or clarification for a “dog meat” allegation that, for now, appears completely unfounded. There are no apologies, and no acceptance of management responsibility for approving an undercooked story.

Obviously, the Sheen story is white-hot, and beyond the ratings-grubbing, there’s legitimate public interest in helping viewers understand what’s happening.

Several reporters made it clear their experts weren’t Sheen’s doctor. Still, if the “Goldwater rule” remains any guide 50 years later, stations need to be more careful about letting their medical pros display Sheen-like overconfidence.